A lateral position opened in the library

[frugalone]

....and I applied for it.
The whole thing is a bit weird. First, they didn't even mention it to me or the other two library aides. One of them didn't find out about it till the posting was closed, and one of the other campus employees (not in the library) mentioned it to her. She was very upset as she needs full time work. (I can see where she felt like "jeez, nobody at this organization thinks enough of me to mention it.") It was posted on the college's web site and NOT mentioned in the library.

I asked the library director about it. He said it was mostly "grunt work." Now, why would he say that? To discourage me from applying? Does he think the work I do in circulation is glamorous?

It turns out to be working with electronic serials and in the archives. The archives part of it is very, very interesting to me. I had informational interviews with both librarians with whom I'd be working. One of them told me yesterday that they have chosen to interview me. And now I'm scared.

I don't have any idea what the interview will be like. Neither of them is very far long out of library school. They're both young enough to be my daughters. I'm very friendly with one of them, actually. We chat a lot.

My other interviews here were somewhat non-traditional. What I mean is, nobody asked me "what strengths do you bring to the position" and "why should I hire you" and all those other stupid (I think) interview questions. They're so unoriginal and intimidating. I really hope that I don't have to go through anything like that...because I'm afraid I'll blow it.

I mean, WHY do all this? They know my work, they work with me on a daily basis, they could ask my supervisor about me...

I'm still wondering also why no one thought to mention this in-house. Could it mean they have another candidate chosen, before they even interview?

[pinkytoe]

Hmmm...I work at a state university and have a similar situation brewing with hiring someone. I am the lucky person who gets to post the ad and qualify the applicants. In our case as with so many other listings, we already have an internal candidate in mind but have to interview 2-3 other qualified applicants. She was told about the position ahead of time so she could do the official online application. That does not mean she is a shoe-in as the other interviewees might be even better. I would think that might be a possibility in your case OR the hiring manager just didn't think to announce it departmentally for whatever reason. Maybe the comment about grunt work is an honest assessment - especially if he doesn't know you might be interested in that sort of work. Did they even know you might be interested in other positions that come up?

[herbgeek]

Yes, maybe it would be nice for someone to mention an open position, but imo, its your career and YOU should be in charge of it. The person looking for full time work should be checking the website daily, not waiting for someone to hand her a position and say "go apply!". I doubt there was any meanness in not mentioning it, people are just busy and consumed with their own issues and problems. To expect that they'll remember yours as well, is I think asking a bit much.

[fidgiegirl]

Why interview? At least in our system, it's a set process to guarantee that there is not cronyism or whatever the term is. It's good, IMO, to have a clear process that is followed and that is fair for anyone who wants to try for the job and know what to expect out of said process. Just roll with the process and go to your interview. You'll be great. Don't read into it. They are not doing it to torture you. :) (((frugalone)))

[frugalone]

I don't know if they know I'm interested in other positions. I did tell them, when I was hired, that I was planning to attend library school. As it was pointed out, people have their own selves and careers to worry about, so perhaps it's silly of me to think that anyone here is interested in mentoring me and would even think of me when job openings come up.

pinkytoe--when I was hired last year, I was told about the position before it was listed. I was already doing the job, though on a different shift and on a part-time basis. I was in touch with my manager via email throughout the summer, and he told me my predecessor had resigned. I had already told him more than once that I was interested in full time work. So perhaps that is why he thought of me. Or, maybe they already knew they wanted to hire me.

It is so hard to know what anyone else is thinking, that's one thing that's certain!